Tips for new grad in CCU?

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Feb 12, 2015

Focus on connecting the dots. The trick is to put all of the data/information together and make sense of it. LOOK at your patient - not just the monitors. The patient's best advocate is a 'highly suspicious' nurse... one who follows up on any new development or change; advocating tirelessly for the patient.

Congrats on your job. You're going to be fabulous.

firstinfamily, RN · Feb 13, 2015

A really good book for EKGs is by Dubin--this is like a workbook and EKG review, I have used this one for years and it always makes things come together for me. YOu will eventually need to be able to interpret 12 lead EKGs so that is something you may want to look into. Concentrate on getting your basic assessment skills down and re-assess anytime you see a change in your patient's status. (Even if someone tells you that is not necessary) The pt may be showing physical signs before they show up on the machines----treat the pt, not the machine!! When I worked CCU they did not take vents, but it looks like you will. Use your Respiratory Therapist as a good resource and have them explain vent settings to you and how to trouble-shoot the vent. Good Luck!!

Nurselyfe92 · Feb 13, 2015

Thanks!! I'll definitely take all of that advice. I'll also look into the EKG book because that sounds like it would be very helpful. Ekg's are something I tend to have trouble with.. Along with pharmacology í ½í¸•.

Thanks to both of you again for the advice!

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · Feb 14, 2015

I take a different approach and teach assessment and psychomotor skills first, which means knowing every piece of equipment or tube, the policy and safety alarms inside and out. Never ignore any alarm of any kind.

Next is learning the IV gtts, compatibilities and how to titrate.

Then the student has some confidence and is ready to be challenged with the critical thinking, such as how to relate an ABG to a patient's illness.

Organize all of your information, such as the blood transfusion policy, compatibility charts, protocols, in a binder and keep it close until you know it well.

Be early or at least on time, and ready to work.

Nursingbride12 · Mar 24, 2015

I was a new grad on my CCU unit as well and now that I am a preceptor as well I have learned two very important things from the wiser nurses I have worked with:

1) ASK QUESTIONs. It's how you learn! People will not think less of you if you ask questions and will, in fact, respect you more. I have actually learned that if you don't ask questions, people will be more suspicious and have concerns about your practice.

2) Buddy up to the older nurses on your unit. They have more store than you can imagine and odds are, if its on the unit, they have seen it before and have learned from the situation. I cannot tell you how many times I have called in another nurse simply for the fact that something doesn't look "right." If you have a question or are concerned about something, or even if it's a clear case of CYA... call in another set of eyes.

Oh. And it's absolutely normal to go home sometimes feeling completely overwhelmed and that you don't know a single gosh darn thing :) That will lessen and you will feel more confident as you increase your experience.

Congratulations! You will do great!